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2026’s Ryan Hamilton is a cross between Percy Harvin and Patrick Peterson

Ryan Hamilton is one of the best players from the Tampa, FL area in the Class of 2026.

The 5-foot-4, 66-pound Hamilton, who attends Lomax Magnet, is a dynamic player that works on both sides of the ball as a quarterback and cornerback.

Hamilton, who has played in Brandon for the Ravens, Bengals and Bears, has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding youth football career, such as being an all-star, winning MVP and the Hustle award.

Hamilton is humbled by the recognition.

“Playing in nationals gave me the opportunity to show what I was made of on a different playing level,” Hamilton said. “To me it means that Hard work pays off.”

No matter the opponent, on each snap Hamilton is determined to give it his all.

Hamilton is going all out.

The motor is always at full throttle whenever Hamilton steps between the lines.

“My mindset is to try to be the one to make the big plays out there on the field,” Hamilton said. “I want to make the opponent have to work for everything they get.”

Hamilton has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Hamilton tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.

“I love the contact of football and how I can let out all of my feelings in a good way on the field” Hamilton said. “Plus I enjoy the brotherhood I have with all of my teammates.”

Hamilton has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.

The main one is applying perspective to all situations.

“Football has taught me so much about life in general,” Hamilton said. “It has taught me to always work hard and believe in yourself no matter what. If you do that, you can make your dreams come true.”

Hamilton recalls his favorite football memory.

“My favorite memory was when I scored my first touchdown and when I got my first big hit,” Hamilton said. “Those were special moment that I’ll never forget.”

Randy Hamilton is in his third season coaching his son, currently with the Brandon Bears.

Mr. Hamilton explains the best parts of his son’s game.

“The best parts of his game on the offensive side of the ball is his versatility. We can line him up in multiple formations and he’s effective. On the defensive side he’s very aggressive to the ball,” Mr. Hamilton said. “He's super fundamental and picks up on things very easy. He has a knack for making plays and being in correct position.’

Hamilton takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Hamilton makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.

“I try my best every day to be the best teammate and leader I can be for the team,” Hamilton said. “I try to give advice to my teammates in need of help on any specific plays. I tell my teammates to stay focused and don’t ever quit.”

Mr. Hamilton adds that his son is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.

“He likes to take charge. He commands the huddle. He's a natural born leader and players adapt to him easily,” Mr. Hamilton said. “That attitude is contagious and rubs off on the rest of his teammates.”

Hamilton is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.

“I’ve learned a lot from my coaches on how to be a better football player and a better person off the field,” Hamilton said. “My coaches always tell me that in order to be an athlete I have to be a student first. I have to take school seriously and get good grades so I can have a future in football.”

Mr. Hamilton is an advocate of his son’s capabilities.

“When he got his first defensive play last year in the Super Bowl, he hawked a boy 65 yards and tackled him before he could score,” Mr. Hamilton said. “His speed is amazing. We call him Flash.”

In addition to making clutch plays, Hamilton also has a high level of football IQ as well.

Hamilton has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.

“He's one of the most intelligent kids on and off the field. He knows how to read plays and predict the defense,” Mr. Hamilton said. “He’s a very cerebral player that is always trying to be one step ahead of the opposition. He’s a smart kid that had excellent study habits.”

Hamilton is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.

“His work ethic is okay but he’s young and it can always improve. He needs a little push sometimes,” Hamilton said. “But deep down I know he cares and he’ll do what it takes to become great.”

Mr. Hamilton explains why he compares his son to these standout.

“I compare him to Patrick Peterson on the defensive side of the ball because he can shut down the field and Percy Harvin on offense because he can hit the home run at any time,” Mr. Hamilton said.

Hamilton patterns his mentality after the Steelers star.

“DeShon Elliott is my favorite player because he is simply just good at what he does,” Hamilton said. “He’s a natural at it and the other team always has to know where he’s at.”

Hamilton is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.

“I want to be the best player and person I can be on and off the football field,” Hamilton said. “I want to make my family proud of me in everything that I do.”

Hamilton has his sights set on playing at Alabama.

“I a huge fan, and I would like to play wherever my twin brother plays,” Hamilton said. “I would love to play there and be a part of that program.”

Mr. Hamilton outlines the next areas of improvement for his son.

“Lately we have been trying to teach him at QB with being more comfortable throwing the ball,” Mr. Hamilton said. “We have to keep getting reps with it.”

Mr. Hamilton believes the sky is the limit as long as his son continues to stay hungry.

“Ryan has great potential due to his natural talent and his passion for the sport,” Mr. Hamilton said.

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